Memorials held for six victims of Stade youth facility shooting; minister president calls act 'brutal, cruel, incomprehensible'

The attack

On Monday, June 29, a 45-year-old man allegedly opened fire at a youth welfare facility in Stade, Lower Saxony, killing six people. Three of the victims were employees of the facility, and three were staff from the youth welfare office of the Region Hannover who had traveled to Stade for a meeting. The suspect, a resident of Garbsen, is believed to have acted in connection with a custody dispute over his young daughter.

Memorial services

On Saturday, July 4, hundreds gathered for memorial events in Garbsen and Stade. In Garbsen, the city and the region hosted an interreligious service at a school center, where attendees lit candles and signed a condolence book. In Stade, a silent memorial march was followed by a benefit concert organized by the association Abend fürs Leben, with proceeds going to the facility and the victims' families.

It is unbearable, and it hurts us all. We are united across the country in our grief, in our bewilderment - and also in the anger that such a crime can happen.

Political response

Lower Saxony's Minister President Olaf Lies (SPD) delivered a speech at the Garbsen service, describing the killings as "brutal, cruel, incomprehensible." He emphasized the essential role of youth welfare workers and called for support for colleagues now facing fear and uncertainty.

Many of them go to work these days with a different feeling. With great uncertainty? With fear? Many ask themselves whether they are safe. We must address these concerns.

Security measures

In response to the shooting, the city of Burgdorf announced it would restrict access to a municipal building housing the youth welfare, schools, and family and children departments. Mayor Armin Pollehn (CDU) said the measure was a short-term step to increase control without cutting off contact with citizens.

The events in Stade have deeply affected us all. At the same time, we take very seriously that the security needs of our employees have increased.